Sharp Increase in Weight-Loss Drug Use Among Teens and Young Adults

New research shows a dramatic rise in GLP-1 prescriptions for obesity and diabetes in individuals aged 12 to 25, with significant implications for treatment approaches and healthcare coverage.

Monthly use of GLP-1 drugs in 12- to 25-year-olds rose nearly 600% from 2020 to 2023.
In 2023, over 31,000 children and 162,000 young adults used these medications.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends early and aggressive treatment for childhood obesity, including medication.
Medicaid and commercial insurance cover a significant portion of these prescriptions, but access issues persist.
Long-term safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs in young people remain under scrutiny.